We have been quick to highlight the absolute disregard for and violation of the Kedusha of 770, a Shule and Beis Midrash. Another lesson that we need to learn and question that we need to ask ourselves, is how much do we value and respect the Kedusha of our Shules?
Below are some of the Halachos that apply due to the Kedusha of a Shule. A timely response to the events of this week would be to make a personal Cheshbon Nefesh in how careful we are in their observance and to make a resolution to be more careful going forward.
Kedushas Beis Kneses and Morah Mikdash
A Beis Kneses is referred to as a Mikdash Me’at, a miniature Sanctuary. Just as there is a Mitzvah to have reverence for the Beis Hamikdash on account of the One Who dwells there, so too one must treat a Beis Hakeneses or Beis Medrash with reverence.
According to some authorities, having awe for the Beis Hakeneses is a Mitzvah Deoraisa. Most authorities maintain that the sanctity of a Beis Kneses is Derabbanan.
One may not act in a Shule in a manner of Kalus Rosh – light headedness and frivolity. Sefer Mitzvos Katan writes that because people act with Kalus Rosh in a Shule, these Shules are transformed into houses of Avodah Zarah.
Speaking in Shule
The Shulchan Aruch rules that one may not speak idle conversation or jest in a Shule. This refers even when the Tzibbur is not davening. The Zohar speaks harshly about one who speaks mundane chatter in a Shule; that they shame the Shechina and prolong the Golus. Magen Avraham records that the Ariza”l was careful to not say anything other than Tefillah in a Shule. He would not even say words of Mussar lest it lead to speaking mundane matters.
Mishna Berura writes that even speaking about matters of Parnasa is forbidden in Shule. He adds that certainly one must take care not to speak Lashon Hara, Rechilus or word of Machlokes in Shule. Such speech is forbidden always. When it is done in a Holy place, one is also insulting the presence of the Shechina; just like one cannot compare one who sins in private to doing so in the palace of the king.
Other Activities
One should not make calculations in Shule, however one may do so for the purpose of a Mitzvah such as counting money of Tzedaka. One should not do Melacha inside of a Shule. Based on this, Ketzos Hashulchan writes that if one needs to repair benches and tables, it would be preferable (where possible) to take them out of the Shule and fix them there.
A Shule should not be used for doing business or selling merchandise. This include money or currency changing. Sales which are being done for a Mitzvah such as the sale of Chametz, Seforim, Aravos, Mitzvah objects (Tashmishei Kedusha) etc. can be done in Shule. Still it is preferable to do this outside of the Shule in the foyer.
The same applies with all forms of casual, light-headed or disrespectful activities. One may not smoke or bring newspapers into the Shule.
Cleanliness
One has to take great care to maintain the cleanliness of a Shule and not throw rubbish on the floor. One should treat the Shule and maintain its cleanliness no less than one would for their own home. For this reason, one should take care to clean their shoes before entering Shule. It is preferable not to enter a Shule wearing soiled clothing. The floors and walls of the Shule should be cleaned regularly. Many witnessed how the Rebbe would stop to pick up refuse that was lying on the floor.
Entering the Shule
A person should not enter a Shule for personal needs other than davening or other Mitzvah purpose. If one needs to enter the Shule to call a friend or other similar purpose, they should say/learn some Pesukim or teaching of Mishna or Halacha and only then call their friend. Alternatively one may ask another person to share a teaching, or may even sit down for a few moments as just sitting in a Shule is a Mitzvah.
One may not enter a Shule or Beis Medrash to take shelter from the rain or sun.
If a Shule or Beis Medrash has multiple entrances, one may not use it as a short-cut. Mishna Berura writes that the leniency of sitting or learning something in Shule also works in this case. Many Acharonim argue, maintaining that this ‘heter’ is limited to the case of entering a Shule to call someone.
Sleeping
One may not sleep or even nap in a Shule. Those who are learning in a Beis Medrash may sleep there however one may not bring a bed into the Beis Medrash. This Halacha would be relevant on Shabbaton programs and school trips. Elya Rabbah quoting the Shela”h writes that those who sleep in Shule should be rebuked, especially if they do so during the Drasha because in addition to sleeping in a Shule, they are also ‘turning their ear’ from hearing words of Torah.
Kids in shule
The Shela”h writes that children under the age of Chinuch should not be brought into a Shule or Beis Midrash because they will run around and dirty the Shule and behave in a disrespectful manner. They also distract people who are davening or learning. The bigger concern is that if when they are young they become accustomed to behaving like this is Shule, even as adults they will not have the proper respect for Kedushas Beis Hakneses.
Once children have reached the age of Chinuch, they should be brought to Shule and taught ‘the way of life’ to sit with awe in Shule. They should not be left to move around and they should be taught to answer Amen to Kaddish and Kedusha.
A Place of Holiness
Respecting a Shule is not just about סור מרע—what one may not do there. There is also the עשה טוב, increasing and enhancing what we should be doing in a Shule. The Rebbe refers to 770 as בית שמגדלים בו תורה, תפילה, וגמילות-חסדים - a place in which we foster Torah study, prayer and acts of kindness.
Whichever Shule one Davens in, we should use this opportunity to recommit ourselves to participate in Minyanim for Davening and to Daven in a manner that befits the holiness of a Shule and the presence of the Shechina. Even if there is no Minyan, it is preferable to Daven in a Shule rather than at home.
We should also make an extra effort to participate in the communal Shiurim and learning that takes place in the Shule and Beis Midrash as well as to join in the Farbrengens that serve to increase and inspire in Yiras Shamayim.
Through respecting the Mikdash Me’at, may we merit the Mikdash Hagadol, the Third Beis Hamikdash with the coming of Moshiach.
